Florida Keys Tourism Rebounds After Hurricane Irma

Almost a year after Hurricane Irma passed through the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay Resort, one of the Florida Keys’ largest properties, has reopened following a US$50 million renovation.

The owners of Hawks Cay, situated on Duck Key near Marathon, used the opportunity to enhance the property’s appeal to travellers. “After Hurricane Irma we didn’t just look at recovering from the storm,” said Sheldon Suga, Hawks Cay Managing Director. “That would have been the quickest and easiest way to do this, but it was an opportunity for us to re-imagine Hawks Cay.”

Among enhancements guests can experience are completely renovated rooms, two new restaurants and a new oceanfront, adults-only relaxation area called Oasis Cay with pool, food and beverage facilities.

Return of the resort’s 177 hotel rooms boost the Keys lodging inventory to just over 90% operational following the 10th September 2017 tropical cyclone, Keys tourism officials said. All-new and fully refurbished properties continue to be unveiled throughout the 125-mile-long island chain. Nearly all resorts impacted on by Irma are projected to be fully open before the end of 2018.

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Michael Flood is the Editor of Ireland's leading travel industry publication, Irish Travel Trade News. With more than 35 years experience, he has accumulated an in-depth knowledge of the airline industry and the travel and tourism world.